Multnomah County’s central courthouse was built between 1909 and 1914, when the county had only 250,000 residents. The building does not comply with modern safety standards and the county has been looking looking at replacing it since 1968.

Oregon law requires the county to provide a suitable courthouse.

The resolution said the benefits of a new court house will include "reduced disruption of existing court operations during construction, a modern court layout with enhanced security and efficiency, improved public access, court functional enhancements with innovative technology and decreased operating, maintenance and repair expenses."